DEC Announces Annual Temporary Closure of Three North Shore Shellfishing Areas
Three North Shore Areas to Close July 2, Expected to Reopen July 8
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual temporary closure of three shellfishing areas on the North Shore of Long Island during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period. These closures are imposed during busy holidays to protect public health from potentially contaminated shellfish associated with increased boating activity in shellfishing waters. Boaters are reminded to use pump-out facilities to help protect these waters.
“DEC closes these waters on Long Island’s North Shore to shell fishing each year during the Fourth of July holiday due to the increase in recreational boating,” Commissioner Seggos said. “To protect our natural resources and public health, I strongly encourage boaters to use pump-out facilities, act responsibly, and be mindful of the no-discharge zones in Port Jefferson Harbor, Oyster Bay Harbor, and the Sand Hole.”
Since 1995, DEC has designated these areas as temporarily uncertified for the harvest of shellfish during the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays. During peak holiday periods, discharges from marine sanitation devices (toilets) may contaminate nearby shellfish beds with pathogenic bacteria or viruses, rendering the shellfish unsafe for human consumption.